Sir Dave Brailsford: No 'fear culture' at British Cycling
Former British Cycling head of performance Sir Dave Brailsford welcomes an inquiry into the culture and practices within the governing body
Sir Dave Brailsford insists that British Cycling wasn't run by fear, after claims of sexism and discrimination led to the resignation of technical director Shane Sutton.
Brailsford, who stepped down from as head of performance at the governing body in 2013, supports the investigation into claims made by several former athletes on the Olympic programme.
Jess Varnish, who was dropped from the programme two weeks ago, was the first to speak out, with her claims supported by the likes of Emma Pooley, Nicole Cooke and Victoria Pendleton.
"The British Cycling model wasn't based around motivation through fear or performance through fear,” Brailsford told the Today programme on BBC Radio 4.
"You can't get performance on a continuous basis over a long period of time through fear. I just don't believe it."
>>> What you need to know about the British Cycling discrimination scandal
Varnish claims that Sutton told her to "go and have a baby" when she was dropped from the programme for reportedly declining performances. Sutton was suspended after reports emerged that he called para-cyclists "gimps" and "wobblies" and the Australian resigned shortly afterwards, with an independent inquiry launched into the claims.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Sir Dave Brailsford and Rod Ellingworth talk to Cycling Weekly before the 2016 season
Pooley, who returned to road racing at the Tour de Yorkshire, said that Brailsford also has questions to answer in regards to sexism, claiming there was never a plan to help her win the women's Giro d'Italia like there was for the men's team set up in 2010.
Both Brailsford and Sutton have welcomed the inquiry and the Team Sky boss says he will share everything he knows about the situation.
"It's really good that this inquiry has been brought in, so we can establish the truth," Brailsford said.
"I'm not going to go into the details. What I will do is I'll share everything that I know with that inquiry."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Among market turmoil, Colnago boasts €55 million in sales: CEO shares the brand’s secret
Colnago’s growth has tripled since the brand’s acquisition by new majority stakeholders in 2020 and seems impervious to the downturn. Here's why.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Why e-bike torque numbers matter more than you think
You should choose an e-bike based on torque, not just power
By Paul Norman Published
-
Welsh Grand Départ for first ever Tour of Britain Women, British Cycling confirms
Race will get underway in Welshpool before concluding in Greater Manchester four days later
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Exclusive: Men’s Tour of Britain stages cut to seek parity for women’s race
British Cycling aim to increase women’s Tour of Britain to six stages in 2025 in order to create full parity between the two events
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Talks underway to take Tour of Britain Women to Wales this year
Wrexham Council in discussions with British Cycling officials to host second stage as race potentially set to start in Wales
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
British National Road Championships return to Saltburn in 2024
The events will take place in the north east of England for the second year running
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'My legs are screaming' - 17-year-old stuns with two gold medals at the British Track Championships
Sam Fisher enjoyed a dream day with victories in the team pursuit and scratch race
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I'm in shock' - 16-year-old school student wins medal at British Track Championships
A-Level student Henry Hobbs rode a blistering kilometre time trial to earn a spot on the podium
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Olympic hopeful Will Perrett dazzles at British Track Championships
27-year-old gains three laps to win points race in style, on a night when para-cycling national records tumbled
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Wout van Aert and Visma-Lease a Bike left out of pocket by Tour of Britain organiser's collapse
Prize money for 2023 race unpaid, riders union says national federation must ‘bear the debts’ of previous organiser, SweetSpot
By Tom Thewlis Published